For those who have been lucky enough to know the love of a dog, we hope that you will support Natasha and Aidan ❤️

Three years ago, Aidan was diagnosed with CPVT after collapsing and becoming unresponsive at primary school. This is a life-threatening heart condition; if Aidan’s heart rate increases in response to emotional stress, it can trigger an abnormally fast and irregular heartbeat, which can lead to sudden death via cardiac arrest, there is no cure.

Their lives are full of uncertainty and overwhelming emotions.

Aidan and Natasha also face additional challenges due to Aidan’s autism and severe OCD. An example of one coping method involves covering up his body head to toe in dark clothing to reduce the risk of contamination. It is incredibly difficult for Aidan to leave the ‘safety’ of the home environment.

He lives in constant fear of contamination and death.

They began fundraising for an assistance dog for Aidan, which would not only provide him with practical and emotional support, it would help with his motor control, sensory activities, CBT therapy and encourage gentle exercise for his heart which will improve his physical wellbeing.

Having an assistance dog will aid him towards some independence, a life full of love, furry fun and doggy cuddles. Not only provide Aidan with practical support like attending medical appointments, but will open up the world to this young man, allowing him to live rather than just merely existing.

Working with Assistance Dogs UK registered-trainers Christine Meaney & David Campbell, the family have now sourced a puppy, Frankie (pictured) 🐶

But that training comes at a cost. It takes a minimum of 2 years to train an assistance dog so the funds raised will go towards covering that period of time. The training is adapted specifically for Aidan’s needs each and every step of the way.

The family desperately need funds for Frankie to continue his specialist training as charitable funds aren’t available for children over the age of 10.

Please consider making a donation to help them. For those who know the companionship of a trusted loving dog, imagine how much of a difference your gift would make to this family.

If you would like to follow Aidan & Frankie's progress or simply offer support please click on this link Aidan & Frankie's Journey Group

Media links:

Manchester Evening News Article

Our Dogs Article

Jade's Marathon- Tameside Correspondent

BBC Radio Manchester with Mike Shaft

BBC Radio Manchester breakfast show with Chelsea

Tameside Reporter Aidan meets Frankie

Click here for ITV news report from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

Click here for Tameside Reporter Appeal

Supporters:

We have been busy working away behind the scenes to make history, not just for Aidan but potentially any child between 10-16yrs within the UK that has complex needs inclusive of autism. If the government were to provide funds to assistance dog charities this may also include guide dogs, hearing support dogs, medical detection dogs etc ... for every child to have opportunities to succeed and a chance of independence.

🔹 Jane Harris (Director of External Affairs & Social Change at National Autistic Society) has written to our LA Special Educational Needs team to support Frankie being added to Aidan's Education & Health Care Plan (EHCP).

🔹Our local MP Jonathan Reynolds & local Councillors are in discussions with Clinical Commissioners, With a view to approaching Parliament for Government policies to be changed to ensure every child's health needs are met. (Charities currently only consider applicants between 3-10years due to funding restraints).

🔹 We have the full support of each of Aidan's clinicians from differing specialities, each providing supporting medical letters.

Aim:

🔹 To have Frankie documented as a registered health need on Aidan's EHCP.

🔹 To source funding to enable Frankie to continue his specialist training to become Aidan's assistance dog in approximately 2 years.

🔹 Continue to work closely with clinicians throughout the process to best support Aidan, whilst also cherishing the close bond between the two and allow them to thrive together towards a future life of independence.

🔹 To align with a registered ADUK charity to allow Frankie to become an accredited assistance dog upon completion of assessments.

🔹 To not lose HOPE despite the uncertainties.

Much Love Natasha, Aidan & little Frankie x

July 20 Update :

Due to the current pandemic nationwide this has unfortunately had a huge knock on effect to both our training plan & our fundraising efforts. As our initial fundraising target was for 12 months, we have listed below a costings breakdown to date.

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support on this journey.

Training/Boarding/121 £6000

Breeder £1250

Insurance £446.88

Training Course £472.38

Travel Expenses £345

Vet Costs/Equipment £607.74

Total Costs £9122 JG Fundraising total (fees deducted) £6116.98 and other donations from independent fundraising.

Thank you for giving Aidan & Frankie this chance of an independent future together. Helping us pave the way for other children/families.